Silver and Gilded Temple Pendant with Turquoise and Coral
Uzbekistan
Circa Early 20th Century
Length 26cm
Max Width 6cm
82g
Pair Available
£560
This lavish pendant demands a special occasion. Once it was a temple ceremony - today, it might be dressed up or down to suit a wedding or celebration. Crafted from silver (approx 80%), this magnificently intricate pendant contrasts the soft sheen of gilded silver with bright turquoise and sensuous coral. Originally worn on either side of the head to form a headdress, this gorgeously unique pendant is ready to be repurposed: and the desert silversmith who once put in so many hours of dedication would be pleased to see it being enjoyed again.
Silver Comb
India
Circa Mid 20th century
Width 8.4cm
Height 5.4cm
60g
£180
To ensure they smelt sweet all day, Indian princesses would fill their hair-combs with scented oils. This silver replica is based on the same enchanting concept, with tiny holes through which the oil could slowly seep. It was made in the 1970s using traditional methods, and features a beautiful peacock design with detailed engraving. A wonderfully feminine idea - beautifully realised.
Silver Comb
India
Circa Mid 20th Century
Width 6.9cm
Height 4.9cm
50g
£180
You'll feel royally spoilt with this magnificent silver and gold comb atop your locks. Inspired by a trend started centuries ago by the Indian aristocracy, jewellers started creating these authentic replicas for ordinary women in the 1970s. Remove the dainty screw-top and pour in a few drops of scented oil for sweet-smelling hair, all day long. Crafted in Nepal, this silver (80%) comb features a charming pair of birds with gilded gold detailing. However and wherever you use it, enjoy feeling like a princess for the day...
Silver Belt
Andhra Pradesh India
Circa Early 20th Century
Length 78cm
Closed Length 76cm
Height (max) 6cm
586g
£2200
Highly sought-after by collectors, original Indian girdles are valued not just for their design but also their historical importance. Individually made for a prestigious customer, this silver ( min 80%) girdle is a showcase of the silversmith's talents. Extremely finely worked with repousse and chasing, it's the product of an exceptionally highly-trained craftsman with a skilled hand and an eye for detail. We don't see many of these - so it's certain not to be in our hands for long.
Silver Cobra
India
Circa Mid 20th Century
Height 10cm
140g
£360
Symbolising "kundalini" power, the cosmic energy coiled and slumbering within us all, the cobra has found its place as a sacred and mystical creature in Indian culture. This particular expression of the beloved cobra has been formed by hand from 925 silver, painstakingly enbellished with hand stamped markings and carefully oxidised to increase the effect. Snakes are often produced in Indian jewellery and this one can be seen as a piece jewellery that cannot be worn but admired on your dressing table as a reminder of your inner spirituality. A rare find.
Bronze Peacock Box
Orissa
India
Circa Early 20th Century
Height 12cm
153g
£120
Cast using the ancient lost-wax process by tribal nomadic metalsmiths of Eastern India in the days of yore, this piece is a testament to the skills and creativity of these talanted travelling artisans. For precious jewels, earrings or gold, the individually cast halves of this dainty pot lock together to protect your most treasured possessions. An evocative addition to any dressing table!
Brass Jewellery Box
Orissa
India
Circa Early 20th Century
Width
Height
£360
Jewellery in Orissa is not only considered to be adornment but also treasure to be called upon in times of need. To be correctly honoured yet at the same time kept safe - special boxes were made for the purpose of hiding and protecting these valuable ornaments from covetous eyes. Each box was cast individually by preparing an original, painstakingly made in bees wax. After a lengthy and difficult casting process, the resulting parts of the container are polished many times before being assembled. These boxes are works of art in themselves and over the years gather a beautiful patina of age. Treat your dressing table to a worthy protector of your favourite jewellery that is a treasure to behold in itself.